Two adults and three children drowned across Kandal, Kampong Speu and Banteay Meanchey provinces on Wednesday, police said yesterday.

The youngest, 2-year-old Sarem Phoy, drowned in Banteay Meanchey after slipping in the river while searching for his mother, who was using the water for washing, said Khema Mara, chief of Russey Krork commune.

Two adults in their early 20s identified only as Tin and Cheata also drowned after jumping into the fast-running water at Kampong Speu’s O’Krang Ambel waterfall, said Samrong Tong district police chief Khouth Sophal.

In Kandal’s Lvea Eam district, Yor Phantnam, 7, drowned after slipping overboard while fishing along the Mekong with his mother, said district police chief Chea Thol.

While in nearby Kean Svay district, Chhuon Bunthat, 9, drowned after falling into a canal by a fishing area after their mother sent them to the store to buy food, said the district’s chief of staff, Vorn Ser.

“It’s the rainy season, and accidents can happen unexpectedly for children and old people,” Ser said. “That requires attention from the parents.”